Converse Dominates Columbia Union; Makes School History
Spartanburg, S.C.— The Converse College basketball team established history by winning its third game in a row. The All-Stars defeated Columbia Union College (MD) 87-57 in their season finale. By defeating Claflin University yesterday and North Greenville last week, Converse finishes the season on a three game winning streak. The All-Stars won 4 of their last 6 games, with the two loses coming by a combined 5 points. Converse completes the season with a 7-22 record.
“I am really excited about the way we finished the season”, said Coach Brett Phillips, who is in his second season. “We are a young team and this gives a lot of momentum going into the off-season and into next year.”
Converse started the game firing on all cylinders. The All-Stars opened the game on a 23-5 run. Converse its first 10 field goals including two 3-pointers. The home side shot an impressive 58.6% from the floor in the first half.
Columbia Union cut the lead to 11 points with 5:02 remaining in the half, but that would be as close as the Pioneers would get all game. Converse led 43-26 at halftime.
Converse would continue shooting well hitting 45.7% of their field goal attempts in the second half. The All-Stars shot 51.6% for the game.
Columbia Union was led offensively by Jada Richardson who recorded a game high 15 points on the afternoon. Noriko Sato and Willona Johnson each had points for the Pioneers. Columbia Union finishes the Classic 0-2.
All five of Converse’s starters scored double digit points. Kathlyn McClain scored a team high 14 points. The senior quartet of Lillian Frazier, Carla Kantara, Brandi Crisitiello, and Lauren Mueller each scored double figures. Crisitiello had 13 points and 9 rebounds while Kantara had a double-double scoring 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Frazier and Mueller each had 10 points. Ashley Arff was the sixth Converse player with double digits points recording 13 points. Mueller, who will graduate the school’s career leading rebounder, added six boards to her career total.
“I am grateful to the senior class for their hard work and commitment to this program”, Coach Phillips remarks of his four seniors. “They have helped to lay a great foundation for the future of this program.”
Converse is a small college, big on opportunities. We:
• Shape young women of today into leaders for tomorrow.